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The Weekly times. October 16, 1886, Image 1

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The Weekly Times

The Weekly Times was first published in Wilmington, Delaware, on October 16, 1886. Owned and edited by Samuel A. Booth and James L. Good, the newspaper's masthead claimed that it was "Devoted to Local News, Literature, Family Matters, Industrial and General Information." The editors noted that the newspaper would be politically independent, but would focus on industry and labor issues. The first issue included an explanation of the papermaking process, a local industry in Wilmington, and also noted a rise in labor agitation throughout the country. In addition, the Weekly Times discussed the impact of the local Pullman Car Works and the B and P Railroad on the city's economic development.

Later issues included a tour of Arlington Mills in Wilmington and a report on the progress of a new electric light station at the Wilmington City Electric Company. On March 19, 1887, the Weekly Times reported on problems associated with the government's management of public lands. It observed that "The Knights of Labor all over the country have wisely united in a strong demand for a thorough reform in the monstrous abused of the public land system, so that at least some part of the great public domain might be saved from corporations and land grabbers of various kinds for homes for the people." Consistent with its pro-labor sympathies, the newspaper included news of Knights of Labor local chapters.

The Weekly Times also included a column titled "African Americanisms" and noted that it "will be devoted to the interest of the colored race and edited by a representative of that people." Another column titled "Housewife's Friend" included instructions on how to preserve clothes pins, clean furs, and polish tins.

The March 19, 1887 issue of the Weekly Times listed James Good as the sole editor and owner. It is unknown when the paper ceased publication. The Weekly Times is not listed in the 1887 edition of Rowell's newspaper directory or the 1888 edition of Ayer's directory.